I know it is a low gear but I can ride it at 3-4 mph for the 20 yards of very steep driveway on my RWD recumbent 2 wheeler.
I can't generate enough power (may be different after I lose 50 lbs) to ride up a 20% grade any faster.
What is the steepest grade you can ride up (even if it is short) on a T50 or the closest geometry Cruzbike based on traction, center of gravity and bike geometry?
Thanks.
Brad
https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/big_apple
You will get more grip, AND comfort if you go to a 26"* 2" like a Schwalbe Big Apple, with raceguard, as if a 90 kg (200 lb) rider, then the minimum pressure of 35 psi, will give you the lowest rolling resistance ride and grip, and the contact patch at 35 psi is double that of a tyre at 70 psi!
http://interdependentscience.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/bicycle-tire-pressure.html
When I bought my Silvio V1.0 with a 45 deg seat, and running 700c*23 continental 4000s at 110 psi max 120 psi (instead of the 145 psi as recommended by site above) I would spin my tyre when starting on wet
worn smooth chip seal, but could ride up a fresh chip seal (or dry hot mix) climb of 16% if no more than 200 m as this engine, is NOT a Jason or a Larry!
When I swapped to a 700*28 Schwalbe Ultremo ZX, the traction (AND confidence when descending) in the wet increased 50%, ie start on the same 9% smooth wet climb easily with no wheel spin, and cornering at the recommended road corner speed in the wet with no concerns, unless there was water across the road, and +10% to +20% if dry!
On the 4000s, I would slow to 75% of the signed corner speed, if there was ANY moisture on the road, as the tyres would squirm, and partially let go! I don't know if it was because the 4000s were grossly overloaded by a fat bastard, or the tyre construction and rubber let it down!
With the T50 high seat angle of 53 to 76 degrees, the front wheel will have more load (55% to 60?%) on it compared to a Quest (QX100) at 45 (50%) to 60 (??%) degrees, Silvio S30 33 Degrees, and Vendetta 21 degrees, where the load on both wheels is the same 50%, so the drive traction will be better than other Cruzbikes.